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Scott Quigg was expelled from school so he could continue his education in a boxing ring. Now he is closing in on world title glory, leaving his former teachers wearing Dunces caps.
The British Super-bantamweight champion was 15-years-old when he was allowed to leave Bury’s Elton High School after pleading to be kicked out.
Quigg, 23, who defends his title against Welshman Jamie Arthur at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium tomorrow night (4th Feb) said: “I always turned up for school because I didn’t want my mum to get into trouble.
“When it came to subjects like science and maths – I wasn’t the brightest kid. School didn’t interest me. I was getting into trouble so I talked it over with my mum and said I wanted them to chuck me out.
“They called a meeting for us to go in and discuss my problems. They laughed at my way of solving the solution because nobody had ever asked to be expelled.
“The deputy head, Miss Needham said; ‘What are you going to be, and achieve in life with no education?’ I told the teachers I wouldn’t tell them because they would all laugh. When they pressed me I replied; ‘I am going to be a world champion boxer’.
“They then warned of what my life would be like if I failed, but my determination and vision was strong even then. They ended up expelling me, but putting me on a course where I went to college once a week. I am proving them wrong.”
After being bombed with no qualifications, Dad Kenneth made his son get a lowly paid job sweeping a factory floor.
Quigg added: “It gave him a motto that has remained etched ever since, ‘Train hard and you will never have to work in a factory’.”
Since turning professional shortly after his 18th birthday – Quigg has steamed to 23 consecutive wins and is now ranked third in the world by the IBF and WBA.
He is an early favourite to be voted Britain’s Young Boxer of the Year in October and behind him is the financial muscle of Hatton Promotions.
The Joe Gallagher trained prospect knows he cannot overlook former Commonwealth champion Arthur, who is in the last chance saloon.
He said: “There is no danger of taking my eyes away from Arthur. If I cannot beat him it will be a struggle to reach the level I believe I can reach.
Whoever has been in with Jamie knows they have been in a fight. There is no quit in him.
“I know how hungry I was to win the British title when the Jason Booth chance came and I am sure Jamie will have stepped up another gear in training.
I have been in that position and I think it is harder keeping titles than winning them.”
Also in action tomorrow is former Commonwealth and European Super-bantamweight champion – Rendall Munroe, who boxes Argentinian – Jose Saez, in a non-title eight rounder.
The bill will also include Stephen Foster Jr v Yauheni Kruhlik, Joe Murray v Jose Luis Graterol, Craig Lyon v Yuri Voronin, Jazza Dickens v Barrington Brown, Feargal McCrory v Sid Razak and Tasif Khan v Delroy Spencer.
Boxing starts at 6.15pm and tickets are priced at £35, £55 and £75 VIP ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991 or online www.hattonboxing.com
